Accessibility Action Toolkit
Bethel for All is a village accessibility planning project that is helping to make Bethel village buildings, public spaces, programs and businesses more accessible to all.
Explore the toolkit below for resources on how to make your building, group or programs more accessible.
Accessibility Action Overview
In 2022, Direct Access Consultancy completed a village accessibility audit to answer those questions. Bethel is moving forward on planning for large projects and improvements. There are also many small, quick and relatively inexpensive actions that any Bethel group or business can take right now to make their offerings more accessible to people.
This overview summarizes top easy, inexpensive action steps for improving village accessibility. Content is based on Direct Access’s full accessibility audit. Start here for an overview of what accessibility looks like, and Top 15 quick actions to consider for your organization or space.
Click directly on the Accessibility Action Overview document to read or download in a new window.
Printable Signs
Signage can help showcase critical services we already have and help people feel comfortable. Communication tools can help everyone interact.
Use these free, printable templates to create more accessible signage and communication in your business.
This set of signs is designed at 12x12” and includes common village services and amenities that people want to find in Bethel. You can print on a regular printer; simply choose “scale to fit” and trim off the excess. Send to a professional printer for heavier duty signs.
Funding & Technical Assistance
There is extensive funding and technical assistance available for municipalities and nonprofits to make accessibility improvements or invest in equipment. Businesses can also take advantage of free or low-cost help and financial assistance.
Townwide low-interest loan fund for businesses making capital improvements. Get the guidelines and application or call the town office at 234-9340 for info.
Business improvements can also mean substantial federal tax savings, reducing the cost of the work.
VCIL Community Access Programs
Vermont Center for Independent Living offers training, consulting, audits and other resources for improving schools, municipal facilities and other community assets. VCIL can also direct you to other resources.
Training and Information
Many websites and organizations offer free videos, recordings, trainings, guides and other resources to help you
Submit a confidential question about accessibility or the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Call 1-800-949-4232 or submit online.
The website also has extensive checklists, tools and resources including:
Resources for requesting interpreters, Brailing, and other accessibility services
Virtual and in-person trainings
ADA Guide for Small Businesses
Get help and detailed info to make sure your small business complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Vermont Council on the Arts Digital Access Resources
Access a set of free recorded training videos for disability awareness and improving the accessibility of websites and digital content.